"No, no!" screamed the girl, rising to her feet and forcing her way to the front of the wagon. In passing the witch she stumbled, and in falling, grasped the snake. The owl screeched, and Rita sprang screaming from the wagon-seat to the ground. Sukey's turn came next, and although Rita begged her not to enter the gypsy's den, our lady of the dimples climbed over the front wheel, eager for forbidden fruit. The hideous witch, the owl, and the snake for a moment frightened Sukey; but she, true daughter of Eve, hungered for apples, and was determined to eat. After foretelling numerous journeys, disappointments, and pleasures which would befall Sukey, the gypsy said:-- "You have many admirers, but there is one that remains indifferent to your charms. You may win him, girl, if you wish." "How?" cried Sukey, with eagerness. "I can give you a love powder by which you may cause him to love you. I cannot sell it; but a gift for a gift is no barter. If you will give me gold, I will give you the powder." "I have no money with me," answered Sukey; "but I will come to-morrow and bring you a gold piece." "It must be gold," said the hag, feeling sure of her prey. "A gift of baser metal would kill the charm." "I will bring gold," answered Sukey. Laden with forbidden knowledge and hope, she sprang from the front wheel into Tom's arms, and was very happy. That night she asked Rita, "Have you a gold dollar?" "Yes," replied Rita, hesitatingly, "I have a gold dollar and three shillings. I'm saving my money until Christmas. I want five dollars to buy a--" She stopped speaking, not caring to tell that she had for months been keeping her eyes on a trinket for Dic. "I am not accumulating very rapidly," she continued laughing, "and am beginning to fear I shall not be able to save that much by Christmas." "Will you loan it to me--the gold dollar?" asked Sukey. "Yes," returned Rita, somewhat reluctantly, having doubts of Sukey's intention and ability to repay. But she handed over the gold dollar with which the borrower hoped to steal the lender's lover.